A guide to standardised tests

Standardised tests are tests which require all test takers to answer the same questions in the same way, and that are scored in a consistent manner, which makes it possible to compare the relative performance of pupils or groups of pupils.

Many assessment experts consider standardised tests to be a fair and objective method of assessing pupils, mainly because the standardised format reduces the potential for favouritism, bias, or subjective evaluations.

Standardised tests are used for a number of educational purposes, for example, they may be used to determine what a child knows and can do on entry into school or to identify pupils who need special education support.